Police departments have access to more data than ever, but critical information often remains disconnected when officers need it most. In a new guest column for Barrett & Greene, ForceMetrics Director of Data Innovation Jacob Cramer PhD examines how data silos within departments can prevent officers from accessing relevant details about prior incidents, suspects, and community context.
Drawing on his experience as former Analysis Administrator at Tucson PD, he explores how these disconnected systems can limit effectiveness and makes the case for regional data-sharing frameworks and interoperable systems.
"We can't keep pretending the data are fine just because they exist. We have to connect them, use them and truly make them count."